CAFÉ DREAMING - GREEK CAFÉ & MILK BAR STYLE

An Exhibition from the “In Their Own Image: Greek Australians” Project in partnership with the Australian History Museum, Macquarie University

Style was an essential element of Australia’s Greek cafés and milk bars. Both their exteriors and interiors, from the 1930s to the 1960s, expressed the glamour and allure of America – dazzling Art Deco streamlined and reflective surfaces, multi-coloured etched mirrors, badged silver-plated and ceramic tableware, flashing neon lights, gleaming soda fountain counters, exotic marble-topped tables or highly-polished wooden booths, with waiting staff in stylish uniforms that matched the interior décor. A new world of visual delight provided Australians with a taste of the American Dream – the fantasy of a life-style that was better, richer, fuller. This object-based exhibition provides an insight into this lost world.

Monday 16 April – Wednesday 30 May

Mon-Fri: 8am – 10pm; Sat-Sun: 10am – 6pm

Official Launch: Monday 16 April, 11am

Contact: 02 9850 7500

Macquarie University Library. Building C3C, corner of Macquarie Walk and Central Avenue